Scottsdale has long been touted as a mecca for wellness worshipers. In fact, it’s reputed that the Sonoran Desert has been a place of health and well-being for centuries. Native Americans were drawn to the restorative healing powers of the warm, dry climate.
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At present, Scottsdale boasts more spa resorts per capita than any other city in the United States. We take a step back and explore the classic spa resorts that have turned Scottsdale into the wellness haven it is today.
Havens of Relaxation
1. The Phoenician
In the grand tradition of offering unparalleled luxury set against Scottsdale’s enchanting desert backdrop, The Phoenician has a rich history spanning over four decades. This Scottsdale spa resort offers not only comfort but experiences that stand the test of time.
Beyond the resort’s 27-hole championship golf course and eight diverse restaurants, the expansive Center for Well-Being spa is the crown jewel. This sanctuary incorporates ancient healing techniques and contemporary therapies, creating a unique wellness journey.
Whether you opt for the Desert Serenity Wrap using local Arizona clay or the Royal Body Therapy incorporating gold-infused sugar, your senses are in for a historic treat.
2. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
Emerging in the 1950s, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa has been a cherished hideaway for the jet-setters seeking solitude and tranquility. This mid-century marvel, nestled in the heart of the majestic Camelback Mountain, offers more than just a picturesque backdrop.
The Scottsdale spa resort’s Asian-inspired spa treatments are a nod to time-honored Eastern practices. Combined with the mystique of the East, these treatments bring balance to the body, mind and spirit.
Add to this an infinity pool with striking mountain views and an award-winning restaurant serving innovative cuisine, Sanctuary promises a timeless experience wrapped in luxury.
3. The Wigwam
Serving as an iconic Arizona landmark since 1929, The Wigwam holds a special place in Scottsdale’s heart (even though it’s technically located in Phoenix). This spa resort provides a soothing blend of Southwestern culture, spa treatments and Arizona’s most historic golf resort.
Their award-winning LeMonds Aveda Salon-Spa draws upon local flora in their treatments, with services such as the “Desert Calm Body Wrap,” incorporating Sonoran honey and sage to soothe the skin and spirit.
Coupled with three championship golf courses, farm-to-table dining options and territorial-style architecture, The Wigwam invites guests to immerse themselves in Scottsdale’s spa resort allure.
4. Arizona Biltmore
Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Desert,” the Arizona Biltmore has been an opulent oasis since 1929. Famed for its Art Deco style and iconic architecture influenced by former consulting architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, this spa resort on the cusp of Scottsdale city limits is a paradise for architecture and wellness enthusiasts alike.
The expansive spa offers a range of holistic treatments, including their signature Biltmore Bliss therapy, which incorporates heated desert stones and aromatic oils. Two championship golf courses, eight swimming pools and seven diverse culinary destinations complete this haven of historic luxury.
5. Hotel Valley Ho
A true mid-century marvel, Hotel Valley Ho first welcomed guests in 1956. It has since been impeccably restored, maintaining its retro-chic charm while embracing modern luxuries. The VH Spa for Vitality + Health brings eight treatment rooms where guests can enjoy services such as the “Mojito Sugar Scrub,” which mixes fresh mint and lime to create a refreshing spa experience.
Pair this with two on-site restaurants offering everything from seasonal American fare to tiki-style cocktails and Hotel Valley Ho shines as a classic embodiment of Scottsdale’s historic spa resort scene.
6. Mountain Shadows Resort
Set in the shadow of the Camelback Mountains, the Mountain Shadows Resort opened its doors in 1959. It remains a testament to modernism and the art of leisure. The resort’s spa, The Citizens Club, offers unique treatments such as the “Cactus Flower Therapy,” which uses indigenous prickly pear cactus oil for a uniquely Arizonian rejuvenating experience.
On the culinary front, Hearth ’61 serves up American cuisine inspired by tradition and local, seasonal ingredients. Mountain Shadows also offers a luxury wing of condominiums, The Residences, and a 18-hole golf course, The Short Course, adding up to an enriching and relaxing retreat.
7. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Since 1987, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has embodied elegance and sophistication in the heart of Scottsdale. Known for its award-winning Well & Being Spa, this esteemed resort offers more than just spa therapies.
Here, traditional wellness practices meet cutting-edge science, providing a wellness experience like no other. From aerial yoga to aquatic therapy and personalized wellness coaching, each guest embarks on a unique journey to well-being.
Topping it off with five award-winning restaurants and bars, the Princess is a treasure to Scottsdale’s luxurious hospitality.
Timeless Landmarks
These classic spa resorts are landmarks in Scottsdale’s narrative, standing as proof to the city’s past while welcoming the future. Each visit is more than a simple dip into wellness and luxury; it’s a voyage through Scottsdale’s rich, layered history.
For those eager to embark on a journey reverberating with luxury, these seven classic spa resorts in Scottsdale form the perfect itinerary. The only question remaining is: which piece of history will you decide to book?
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